Another 1,316 pounds of expired or unwanted medications are in the possession of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office after the April 26 Operation Medicine Cabinet.

Residents turned in nearly 1,316 pounds of expired or unwanted medications at seven locations during Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office 11th semi-annual Operation Medicine Cabinet April 26, which was also National Take Back Day.

At the Sheriff’s Administration Building in St. Pete Beach, 278 pounds were collected. Clearwater police took in 619 pounds, St. Petersburg police received 160 pounds, Pinellas Park police collected 135 pounds and Kenneth City netted 124 pounds of medications.

Local law enforcement conducts Operation Medicine Cabinet to provide citizens with a safe way to discard unused or expired medications. It is a multi-agency effort aimed at addressing the problem of prescription drug abuse and protecting the environment.

Operation Medicine Cabinet began in May 2009. The events along with the permanent drop-off locations have collected 18,112 pounds of medication.